Alsons Dev’s Poblacion Market Central Hosts Mindanao’s First Indigenous Peoples Trade Expo

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The first Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Trade Expo (MIPTEX 2026) brought together more than 80 Indigenous creatives, entrepreneurs, community leaders, government agencies, and development partners at Poblacion Market Central from October 26 to 30, promoting Indigenous enterprise, cultural heritage, and sustainable economic opportunities across Mindanao.

Carrying the tagline “Gawang Mindanao IP, Gawang Pinoy,” the five-day expo highlighted Indigenous heritage, strengthened discussions on Indigenous wealth management, and explored opportunities for sustainable, community-led economic growth.

Co-led by the New Zealand Embassy Manila, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), MIPTEX is supported by local and international partners, including the New Zealand Embassy, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and private sector organizations such as Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) and its corporate foundation, Alcantara Foundation.
Beyond providing a marketplace for Indigenous products, MIPTEX focused on strengthening entrepreneurs’ business capabilities, promoting responsible trade, and highlighting the importance of protecting traditional designs and cultural expressions from unauthorized use. Activities included brand development and investment sessions, business mentoring, financial education, and discussions on Indigenous-to-Indigenous trade and community wealth management.

The expo also showcased Mindanao’s living cultural traditions through live weaving demonstrations, a youth painting competition featuring natural pigments, and the Hulagway Fashion Gala, which featured traditional and contemporary Indigenous apparel and textiles such as Inabal, T’nalak, Yakan, and Dagmay.

Sessions on sustainable enterprise and community wealth management with BPI Foundation, BangKo, GCash, and Grab explored how Indigenous businesses can create lasting benefits for their communities, including support for education, healthcare, and ancestral domain protection.

Miguel A. Dominguez, President and CEO of Alsons Dev, emphasized the importance of private sector partnerships in supporting Indigenous communities and expanding economic opportunities.

“As private sector partners, our role is not to lead or dictate, but to listen, support, and build bridges. We are committed to fostering commercial environments where Indigenous identity is honored, intellectual property is safeguarded, and economic returns directly uplift families and communities,” Dominguez said.

Alsons Dev supports MIPTEX 2026 as part of its commitment to promoting Mindanao’s rich culture, arts, and heritage. By helping provide a platform for Indigenous creativity and enterprise, the company seeks to bring greater visibility to the region’s cultural assets and support the continuation of these traditions for future generations.

Kubota Philippines Enters Construction Equipment Market With Launch of U30-6S and U55-6S Mini Excavators

Kubota Philippines, Inc. (KPI) has officially entered the Philippine construction equipment market with the launch of its U30-6S and U55-6S mini excavators, marking a new chapter in the company's operations as it expands beyond agricultural machinery to support the country's growing infrastructure and construction needs.

Unveiled at The Filinvest Tent in Alabang under the theme “Breaking Ground: The Power to Build More,” the new lineup responds to the growing demand for compact, efficient, and reliable machinery for infrastructure, urban construction, and community development projects.

Building on more than six decades of supporting Philippine agriculture, Kubota is extending its machinery expertise and customer support experience to the construction equipment sector.

“For many years, Kubota Philippines has worked alongside Filipino farmers, dealers, and communities to support agricultural productivity and rural development. Our entry into construction equipment represents a new chapter in how we contribute to the country's progress,” said Yoshito Kato, President and General Manager of KPI.

“Agriculture will remain the foundation of our business. Through construction equipment, we are expanding our contribution to infrastructure, better living environments, and the sustainable development of the Philippines. These are two important areas of contribution, united by one continuing commitment to grow together with the country,” Kato added.

Engineered for Productivity and Efficiency

Built to maximize productivity and operational efficiency, Kubota's U30-6S and U55-6S mini excavators combine powerful performance, responsive hydraulic systems, fuel-saving technology, and operator-focused features.

Available in three configurations—U30-6S canopy, U55-6S canopy, and U55-6S cabin—the models feature efficient hydraulic systems for smooth operations, Auto Idle technology to help reduce fuel consumption, and Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) and Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS) to support operator safety. Together with their compact design, ease of operation, and maintenance-friendly features, these innovations help equipment owners work efficiently, minimize downtime, and maximize productivity across construction projects.

Building customer confidence through local partnerships

With a presence in the Philippines dating back to 1965 and more than 100 agricultural dealer locations nationwide, KPI brings established local experience and customer relationships into its construction equipment business.

“Our experience in agriculture has taught us that customers need more than reliable machines. They need dealers who understand their businesses and dependable support throughout the life of their equipment,” said Fritz Carlo Arota, Vice President for Sales and Marketing of KPI.

“As we enter the construction equipment market, we are bringing together Kubota's global expertise, our local experience, and our dealer and financial partners. Our goal is to help customers select the right equipment, operate it effectively, and maintain it with the appropriate parts and service support. This is how we intend to build lasting customer confidence,” Arota added.

KPI will work with its authorized construction equipment dealers to strengthen product knowledge, parts availability, and after-sales capabilities, alongside financial partners offering equipment financing options.

The U30-6S and U55-6S mini excavators are now available through KPI's authorized construction equipment dealer partners. For more information, visit kubota.com.ph.

Anko Expands Philippine Footprint to Nine Stores, Enters Laguna and Cavite

METRO MANILA – Australian home and lifestyle brand Anko is accelerating its long-term growth in the Philippines, expanding its retail footprint from six to nine stores across key economic and residential districts before the end of 2026.

The expansion marks a major milestone in Anko’s local journey, taking the brand beyond Metro Manila for the first time since its Philippine debut in November 2024. The brand will enter the rapidly growing Southern Luzon corridor with upcoming store openings at Ayala Malls Nuvali in Laguna on November 12 and Ayala Malls Evo City in Cavite on November 27, while simultaneously deepening its urban presence at Festival Mall in Muntinlupa on December 10. The three stores will span 1,573.11 square meters, 1,261.20 square meters, and 1,530.29 square meters, respectively.

The strategic move into Laguna and Cavite places Anko directly inside CALABARZON, one of the country’s most dynamic growth hubs. By anchoring in master-planned residential estates and key commercial developments, Anko brings its value proposition directly to where expanding Filipino families live, work, and build their homes.

Beyond physical expansion, the rollout reflects strong, sustained demand from Filipino consumers over the past two years. Anko is excited to bring its fan-favorite, everyday low-priced products to more communities, including popular lines local shoppers have already embraced, such as its scented candles, kids' toys, mini kitchen tools and appliances, beauty and personal care essentials, and budget-friendly home organization essentials.

While timed ahead of the peak year-end retail season—when families refresh their living spaces, prepare for holiday gatherings, and shop for gifts—Anko’s model goes beyond seasonal shopping. Operating on an everyday low-price strategy, the brand designs its products in-house and partners directly with manufacturers to keep pricing consistent and transparent year-round. This approach lets value-conscious Filipino households confidently curate stylish, functional homes year-round, without waiting for periodic markdowns.

The rapid network growth underscores Anko’s confidence in the Philippine market. After entering the country through its flagship location at Glorietta 2, Anko steadily established a strong urban network across prime commercial hubs, including Alabang Town Center, TriNoma, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Gateway Mall in Cubao.

The upcoming Festival Mall store, owned and operated by Filinvest Land, further diversifies its retail partnerships alongside Ayala Land, Rockwell Land, and the Araneta Group, demonstrating a disciplined strategy of partnering with the country's premier property developers. Each new location will also generate local employment and support surrounding communities.

“Over the past two years, the response from Filipino families has exceeded our expectations and confirmed that our everyday low-price, quality-driven proposition truly resonates here. Expanding from six to nine stores, including our first locations beyond Metro Manila, reflects our confidence in the market and our ambition to make Anko more accessible to customers,” said Arjun Puri, Chief Executive Officer of Anko Global.

“Our goal has always been to make stylish, functional home and lifestyle products accessible to more households close to home. Whether families are building out a new space, picking up daily essentials, or preparing their homes for special moments like the Christmas season, we want Anko to be a reliable partner in making everyday living brighter,” Puri added.

To celebrate the new store openings, local shoppers are invited to join the Anko Club at anko.com/anko-club to enjoy exclusive access to member-exclusive events and workshops, early product updates, and special perks.

Globe Launches New Wellness Benefits to Help Customers Recharge and Reconnect

Between busy schedules, constant notifications, and the demands of everyday life, finding time to pause can feel like a luxury. Recognizing the growing need for balance in an always-on world, Globe is giving customers more opportunities to prioritize their well-being, bringing together rewards, lifestyle benefits, and curated experiences that encourage customers to make time for themselves, recharge, and enjoy moments of self-care.

The initiative expands the value customers receive from their Globe mobile subscriptions by making wellness a more meaningful part of their everyday experience. It focuses on three ways of caring for customers: turning rewards into opportunities for personal time, offering thoughtful wellness benefits, and creating experiences that encourage customers to step away from their routines and reconnect with themselves.

Customers across Globe’s mobile plans can access a growing range of wellness and lifestyle benefits from partners including Longevity Labs, Parlon, Surge Fitness + Lifestyle, Trip.com, Lush, and DAON & Co. Offers include discounts on wellness services, fitness memberships, beauty experiences, travel, and online purchases.

For Globe Prepaid customers, wellness vouchers are available through Globe Rewards+, giving more opportunities to enjoy self-care and personal time. Globe Postpaid customers can explore wellness benefits through the Rewards catalog in the GlobeOne app, including select offers and discounts that do not require points for redemption.

Eligible Postpaid and Platinum customers can also receive curated wellness experiences tied to their Globe milestones. Globe Platinum customers can connect with THEA for personalized lifestyle assistance and enjoy a range of hotel and wellness privileges across select Asian destinations, making travel more rewarding and self-care more accessible:

• Japan: Hotel benefits, including a US$100 credit per room per stay at Shangri-La Tokyo.
• Korea: Wellness and skin-treatment benefits, including discounts on treatments, tax refunds for eligible foreign customers, and a complimentary service at Yonsei Line Clinic.
• Thailand: Exclusive access to wellness experiences through discounted day passes at Soma Health Clinic.
• Singapore: Special access to wellness experiences at ReKoop Flex, including a package featuring five wellness technologies.
• Vietnam: Discounts on spa and wellness services at Yen Spa.

“We know that our customers are constantly moving, creating, and taking care of the people around them. Wellness is about giving them the space to take care of themselves, too,” said Eric Tanbauco, Head of Consumer Mobile at Globe. “Through this new Wellness Pillar, we want to make self-care feel more accessible and more relevant to everyday life, giving customers meaningful ways to pause, recharge, and come back stronger for the things that matter most.”

At its heart, Globe’s wellness offering is about recognizing that great experiences begin with having the space and energy to enjoy them. By expanding the value of its mobile services beyond connectivity, Globe is giving customers more meaningful ways to enjoy rewards and benefits that support their everyday well-being.

To learn more about Globe’s wellness offerings, visit https://glbe.com.ph/GlobeTelecomPR

HUAWEI nova 16s Series Arrives in the Philippines, Bringing AI-Powered Photography and Powerful Performance

Manila, Philippines – Making every weekend more colorful and memorable, HUAWEI has officially introduced the HUAWEI nova 16s Series in the Philippines. Dubbed the “King of AI Selfies,” the latest smartphone lineup combines advanced photography, intelligent AI features, powerful performance, and reliable 5G connectivity, with prices starting at PHP 29,999.

The series includes the HUAWEI nova 16s, priced at PHP 29,999, and the HUAWEI nova 16s Pro, available for PHP 39,999. Both devices are designed for users who enjoy capturing and sharing life's best moments.

Advanced Cameras for Stunning Photos

Photography takes center stage with the series' True-to-Color imaging technology. Its 50MP Ultra Portrait Front Camera features an innovative 0.8x–5x Selfie Zoom, allowing users to capture group selfies and detailed portraits while maintaining natural skin tones, even in challenging lighting conditions.

For rear photography, the flagship-level 200MP RYYB Ultra-Large Sensor Main Camera delivers detailed images with improved light capture. Complementing it is a 50MP RYYB Periscope Telephoto Camera that brings distant subjects closer, making it ideal for concerts, travel, and outdoor adventures.

The smartphone also introduces AI-powered editing tools, including AI Move, AI De-Glare, AI Best Expression, and AI Remove, making it easier to enhance photos without spending hours editing.

Built for Productivity and Entertainment

Beyond photography, the HUAWEI nova 16s Series offers 5G connectivity, a 6.84-inch 120Hz LTPO display, and an IceBridge Heat Dissipation Architecture for sustained performance. Its 7,000mAh battery supports up to 29 hours of continuous video playback, while 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo can restore up to 40% battery in just 15 minutes.

Users can also enjoy convenient cross-platform file sharing through Petal Interconnect, voice assistance through Celia, and access to everyday applications through HUAWEI AppGallery.

Stylish Design and Exciting Launch Promos

Inspired by summer skies and ocean waves, the lineup features the distinctive “Ride the Waves” aesthetic. The Pro variant also incorporates Kunlun Glass, offering enhanced drop and wear resistance.

To celebrate its Philippine launch, HUAWEI is inviting users to join the #TrueColorsSelfieChallenge on TikTok from October 23 to November 12, with 50 HUAWEI nova 16s Pro units up for grabs.

Customers purchasing between October 30 and December 31 can also receive a gift bundle featuring HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2 and an exclusive nova gift box. Participating online stores also offer a PHP 5,000 early-bird voucher, subject to promotional terms and availability.

With its combination of AI photography, long-lasting battery performance, and stylish design, the HUAWEI nova 16s Series aims to make everyday experiences more enjoyable for photography enthusiasts, content creators, and mobile users.

For more information, visit the official HUAWEI Philippines website.